MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines has once again affirmed its status as the world’s foremost destination for underwater exploration, securing the coveted Best Dive Destination in Asia award at the Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards 2025. This latest accolade, announced by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on October 16, 2025, marks the third consecutive year the nation has received the honor, unequivocally cementing its dominance in the Asia Pacific’s highly competitive dive tourism sector.
The award was formally presented during a gala event at the Paradox Singapore Merchant Court on October 7. Representing the country and accepting the prestigious recognition on behalf of the Philippines Tourism Promotion Board (TPB) was Philippine Ambassador to Singapore, Medardo G. Macaraig.
The DFA highlighted the significance of the win, noting the nation’s previous triumphs in the same category in 2021, 2023, and 2024. This pattern of repeated success “underscores its leadership in Asia Pacific’s dive tourism sector,” according to the department, reflecting the country’s unparalleled richness in marine biodiversity and the dedicated efforts to promote sustainable tourism.
A Victory Driven by Industry Professionals and Global Readers
The Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards are highly respected within the travel and hospitality industries across the Asia Pacific. Unlike awards determined solely by a panel of judges, the winners of this event are decided through the votes of travel professionals and readers across the entire region. This process lends exceptional weight to the Philippines’ victory, as it represents a consensus opinion from experts and discerning travelers who recognize excellence and innovation.
The DFA emphasized that the annual event serves to recognize organizations that “exemplify excellence and innovation in Asia Pacific’s travel and hospitality industries.” To consistently triumph over other renowned diving destinations in Asia speaks volumes about the quality of the Philippine dive experience, encompassing everything from the health of its coral reefs to the professionalism of its dive operators and resorts.
Following the announcement, the Philippine Embassy in Singapore issued a commendation lauding the TPB for its continuous and effective work. The Embassy praised the board’s commitment not only to marketing the country’s breathtaking marine biodiversity and underwater ecosystems but also for its broader role in advancing the global sustainable tourism industry. This recognition is a dual victory, celebrating both the natural assets of the archipelago and the strategic marketing efforts designed to protect them.
Building a Legacy: A History of Dominance
The latest Asian title is not an isolated achievement but rather the newest jewel in a growing crown of international recognition for the Philippines’ diving sector. The country has meticulously built a legacy of global dominance over the past few years:
World’s Leading Dive Destination: Most notably, the Philippines was hailed as the World’s Leading Dive Destination for the sixth consecutive year in 2024. This globally recognized title, earned repeatedly, solidifies the country’s position far beyond the regional Asian market, placing it at the very pinnacle of the international diving community.
Premier Global Diving Destination: Just two months prior to the Travel Weekly Asia win, in August, the Philippines also secured an award as the “premier global diving destination” at the Diving Resort and Travel Expo (DRT) in Beijing, China. This win signals the successful penetration and high regard of the Philippines’ dive sites within the crucial and rapidly expanding Chinese outbound tourism market.
This string of awards highlights the Philippines’ success in translating its extraordinary natural heritage—which includes the globally vital Coral Triangle—into a world-class tourism product. Locations such as Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Apo Island, Anilao, and Malapascua are renowned among the global diving community for their biodiversity, ranging from pygmy seahorses and thresher sharks to massive schools of jacks and vibrant coral gardens.
Regional Excellence: Sharing the Spotlight
The Travel Weekly Asia Readers’ Choice Awards also recognized other leading destinations and brands across the region, underscoring the high standards of excellence across the Asia Pacific travel market. The Philippines shared the winners’ stage with other industry heavyweights, including:
Japan’s Universal Studios, recognized as the Best Attraction.
Sentosa Island, which bagged the award for Best Island Destination.
Singapore, which received the award for Best Destination Marketing.
South Korea, which was honored as the Best Destination overall.
The consistent, high-level performance of the Philippines in a specialized category like dive tourism demonstrates a focused and successful national strategy. As the tourism sector globally continues to recover and evolve, the government’s investment in promoting and protecting its marine resources serves as a model for sustainable, nature-based tourism that delivers both economic growth and environmental stewardship. The challenge now lies in managing the inevitable increase in dive tourism responsibly to ensure the longevity of the precious underwater ecosystems that earned the country this distinction.
